And not to ignore Virginia’s 19-16 conquest of Brigham Young. Props to the Cavaliers, 1-point underdogs, for overcoming the elements and the Cougars’ salty defense.

But the headliner from the off season through Saturday night was Clemson-Georgia, and the game was as good as advertised. Tigers quarterback Tajh Boyd and receiver Sammy Watkins played to their sterling credentials, while tailback Roderick McDowell had a starting debut to savor.

A fifth-year senior and former back-up to Andre Ellington, McDowell rushed for 132 yards on 22 carries, a 6.0 average. His 36-yard run to Georgia’s 6 early in the fourth quarter set up the touchdown that gave the Tigers their largest lead at 38-28.

Off a riveting bowl victory over No. 9 LSU, Clemson could absolutely remain in the national title discussion. If the Tigers survive a visit from defending ACC champion Florida State in mid-October — Clemson has won five straight at home over the Seminoles — they should be 8-0 headed to Virginia in early November and perhaps 11-0 entering the regular-season finale at South Carolina.

That said, the Tigers allowed 545 yards (7.8 per snap) against the Bulldogs, holes that FSU freshman quarterback Jameis Winston -- did you SEE that 25-of-27 debut against Pittsburgh on Monday night? -- would almost certainly exploit.

In fact, after watching the Seminoles dismantle the Panthers 41-13, I wonder whether the ACC has two national contenders this season -- in 1997, Florida State and North Carolina were Nos. 3 and 6, respectvely in the final AP poll.

How big was Clemson’s win for a conference that hasn’t had a top-five team in the final Associated Press poll since Florida State in 2000?

Well, it was the ACC’s first non-conference victory over an AP top-five opponent since those 2000 Seminoles defeated No. 4 Florida en route to the national title game against Oklahoma. ACC teams had subsequently lost 36 consecutive such games.

Now beating top fives isn’t easy or routine for any league. But the depths of the ACC’s drought caught me off guard while perusing the media guide.

Virginia has a chance to extend the league’s new-found winning streak against the top five when it encounters No. 3 Oregon on Saturday. Absent a stunner at Scott Stadium, the ACC has another chance to enhance its reputation when Miami hosts No. 10 Florida.